They're chowing for Chapman: A holiday luncheon raises $188,355

Dec. 5, 2012

Updated Aug. 21, 2013 1:17 p.m.

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Committee members Donna Calvert, Marci Hollander and Donna Bianchi pose for a photograph during the Christmas at the Ritz fundraiser for Chapman University at The Ritz Restaurant in Newport Beach. DREW A. KELLEY, FOR THE REGISTER

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R.J. and Adrienne Brandes, a committee member, Janell Bassett and Bob Bassett, Dean of the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, pose for a photograph during the Christmas at the Ritz fundraiser for Chapman University at The Ritz Restaurant in Newport Beach. DREW A. KELLEY, FOR THE REGISTER

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Sandra Chiles poses in a festive hat during the Christmas at the Ritz fundraiser for Chapman University at The Ritz Restaurant in Newport Beach. DREW A. KELLEY, FOR THE REGISTER

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Georges Thiret, committee member Karly Brown and Ray Jacobi, Ritz' managing partner, pose for a photograph during the Christmas at the Ritz fundraiser for Chapman University at The Ritz Restaurant in Newport Beach. DREW A. KELLEY, FOR THE REGISTER

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Wally and Joan Gayner pose for a photograph during the Christmas at the Ritz fundraiser for Chapman University at The Ritz Restaurant in Newport Beach. DREW A. KELLEY, FOR THE REGISTER

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Natalie Wilkinson had a feather in her cap at the Christmas at the Ritz fundraiser. DREW A. KELLEY, FOR THE REGISTER

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Gene Hancock and Bob Washer mingle during the Christmas at the Ritz fundraiser for Chapman University at The Ritz Restaurant in Newport Beach. DREW A. KELLEY, FOR THE REGISTER

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Kaley Corey and the Philharmonic Society of OC President and Artistic Director Dean Corey pose for a photograph during the Christmas at the Ritz fundraiser for Chapman University at The Ritz Restaurant in Newport Beach. DREW A. KELLEY, FOR THE REGISTER

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Shari Esayian is all smiles at The Ritz Restaurant in Newport Beach DREW A. KELLEY, FOR THE REGISTER

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Arinna Trenkle, left, and Natalie Wilkinson pose for a photograph during the Christmas at the Ritz fundraiser for Chapman University. DREW A. KELLEY, FOR THE REGISTER

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Alexis Wensman and Beril Akcay pose for a photograph during the Christmas at the Ritz fundraiser for Chapman University at The Ritz Restaurant in Newport Beach. DREW A. KELLEY, FOR THE REGISTER

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Julia Ciaccio and Melissa Corrigan pose for a photograph during the Christmas at the Ritz fundraiser for Chapman University at The Ritz Restaurant in Newport Beach. DREW A. KELLEY, FOR THE REGISTER

Committee members Donna Calvert, Marci Hollander and Donna Bianchi pose for a photograph during the Christmas at the Ritz fundraiser for Chapman University at The Ritz Restaurant in Newport Beach.DREW A. KELLEY, FOR THE REGISTER

Shoppers at Fashion Island over the weekend might have seen a massive line of Bentleys, Mercedes Benzes and BMWs outside of the Ritz Restaurant and Garden in Newport Beach. It wasn't a car show — it was the parking lineup for the Women of Chapman's 26th annual "Christmas at the Ritz" holiday luncheon.

Guests were greeted by Chapman student volunteers handing out goodie bags, a quartet of carolers decked out in Dickensian dress, and of course, Santa Claus. As carolers sang "Silver and Gold" and "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," party-goers were led to a covered patio decorated with red bows and pine wreaths, while servers offered red and green martinis.

The Ritz was filled to capacity — the lunch netted $188,355 — and the rooms were alive with the ecstatic hum of old friends gathering once again for the holiday season.

"It's one of the big events in Orange County" said Donna Calvert, who is on the Women of Chapman committee. "It's a lot of fun, and it's for a great cause."

Since 1971, the Women of Chapman have been raising funds for Chapman University. Recently the group pledged $500,000 to the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts' Millennial Studios, and $1 million to the Musco Center of the Arts, which is planned to open in 2014.

When the late Hans Prager, former chef/owner of the restaurant, organized the Christmas gathering 26 years ago, he was told to put together a black tie event. According to his wife, Charlene Prager, "He didn't think this community needed another black tie dinner," and figured a more relaxed Saturday brunch was more festive. Judging by the turnout, spirit and longevity of the event, he was right.

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